This isn't the type of spot where you plop down a couple of lawn chairs and crack open a beer, but it will have an amazing view of the fireworks that are set off from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39.

There's a volcanic rock that's approximately 11 million years old in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the Berkeley hills. When you climb to the top of it, you get an unobstructed view of the Bay Area.

This Crissy Field picnic area is great for large groups who want to make a day of it. There are picnic tables and a large lawn to sprawl out on for the show. From here the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Angel Island is breathtaking.

A Blue & Gold Fleet ferry leaves San Francisco at 5:40 pm (there's also a 5 pm departure from Tiburon). Included in the $49 fare ($35 for kids) is shuttle service on Angel Island between Ayala Cove and Battery Ledyard. The island's café and oyster bar will be serving up live bluegrass, dancing, food and drinks. Visitors are advised to bring flashlights or headlamps, blankets, and portable seats.

If you're looking to get your romance on, we suggest driving up to the top of Twin Peaks. Bring a blanket. The location will provide (Karl permitting) views of not just San Francisco's fireworks, but also Berkeley's and Sausalito's bombastic fiery displays.

This small patch of grass in Tiburon will provide breathtaking views of the fireworks. Grab a blanket and a cooler and head over early, as this particular spot fills up fast.

Spectacular views of the bay and ample parking make this spot, in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, ideal for watching the fireworks. Be sure to bring blankets and flashlights.

From noon to 10 pm, the Berkeley Marina is throwing an all-day event with a giant slide, dragon boat rowing, pony rides, a bounce house, crafts, face painting, and food trucks. Mini-train rides and water bubble balls will also be on hand. At 9:35, fireworks will go off from a barge south of the Berkeley Pier.

If hiking is your thing, we suggest making the trek up to Coit Tower for the fireworks show, as we're sure the parking lot will be filled up well before dusk.

herman's Wharf is the ultimate tourist destination, so if you're one of the few brave locals who are set on the wharf as your place to view the show, we suggest showing up as early as possible to stake out a spot.

Panoramic views of the bay make SFAI the perfect place to chill out and watch the fireworks this 4th of July. As some of you may know, winds on the roof terrace can be strong, so make sure to layer up.

If you want a low-key outing and don't mind a faraway, zoomed-out view of the action, head on up to Bernal Heights Park. The crowd will be more neighborhoody and chill than anything happening on the waterfront. All the usual advice about blankets and flashlights applies—and be careful picking your way down those narrow paths if you've had a few. Photo: Telstar Logistics